Who knew that there were dozens of colleges and trade schools dedicated to automotive technology?
What will you study if you attend Owens, Locust Grove, Northern Virginia, Daytona Beach, Indianapolis, Oxford, Watertown, Lincoln Tech, San Diego, Toronto, or Cambridge?
Understanding the physics of suspension systems may be less exciting than taking down your latest target at the shooting range, but it’s no less important.
Are you ready to learn everything there is to know about automotive technology? Here are some of the best colleges for Automotive Engineering that I have researched and selected for you.
- Montana State University-Northern
- Weber State University
- Utah Valley University
- University of Northwestern Ohio
- Idaho State University
- Pittsburg State University
- University of Central Missouri
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Ferris State University
- Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Kettering University
- Brigham-Young University-Idaho
- Walla Walla University
- Minnesota State University-Mankato
- McPherson College
- Southern Adventist University
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Montana State University-Northern
Students participating in Montana State University Northern’s Automotive Technology program can achieve a bachelor’s, associate’s, or minor while learning from Master ASE-certified technicians. Industry-sponsored technician training is also available at the University for Ford, Subaru, and Maintenance & Light Repair.
MSU-Northern, on the other hand, offers an ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree.
From learning in MSU’s computer-aided drafting, integrated manufacturing, and machining facilities to their capstone senior projects that tackle real-world design challenges, students in the Mechanical Engineering department get plenty of hands-on experience.
Weber State University
The automotive department at Weber State University equips students with a passion for cars and other vehicles for successful careers with industry leaders.
The National Center for Automotive Science and Technology has recognized the school’s automotive program, and its graduates have been hired by top-tier manufacturers.
At Weber State University, you can obtain real-world experience through paid internships with local automotive repair companies or do hands-on research on solar, electric, and autonomous vehicles in the automotive technology program.
The Department of Automotive Technology provides a variety of degrees and certificates, including Bachelor’s degrees in Field Service Operations and Advanced Vehicle Systems. Students can also choose between an Associate’s degree in Independent Shop ATEP or a Heavy-Duty Trucks Associate’s degree.
Utah Valley University
At Utah Valley University, the Department of Transportation Technologies’ objective is to provide trained people for entry-level roles in all sectors of the auto repair and maintenance industry through an academic and practical learning training program.
After completing these programs, the student will be able to earn a one-, two-, or four-year degree.
The training will focus on fundamental skills and principles that will enable participants to adapt to new and evolving technologies. Basic skills will be presented and practiced using current and future technology.
University of Northwestern Ohio
For a variety of reasons, the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Automotive Technology curriculum is one of the best in the country. 70% of the course content is hands-on, requiring you to roll up your sleeves in the classroom or in the shop.
Students at the University of Northwestern Ohio can pick from a variety of programs in the College of Applied Sciences and the College of Occupational Professions. UNOH’s Automotive Technology program offers diplomas, associate’s degrees, and bachelor’s degrees, with all subjects taught by ASE- and Master ASE-certified instructors.
Idaho State University
Idaho State University should also be on your list for consideration. As a matter of fact, graduates of Mechanical engineering from Idaho State University are employed in a range of fields, and many have decided to pursue advanced studies in a variety of specialized engineering disciplines around the region and country.
Every student enrolled in the mechanical engineering program is assigned a faculty advisor to help them develop a study plan and maintain consistency throughout the program. Each student completes university general education courses as well as the prerequisites of the mechanical engineering program.
Pittsburg State University
The Automotive Technology Department at Pittsburg State University offers a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree (BST) in Automotive Technology. If you want to start in entry-level management and work your way up in the automotive industry, the 4-year program is the appropriate fit for you. Employers in bigger urban areas frequently prioritize students who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Technology first. This degree is also an excellent foundation for those who want to pursue their education further by earning a graduate degree.
Because of the high quality of the school’s education, employers actively seek out Pittsburg State Automotive graduates. Examples are AGCO, Allstate, American Honda, Bridgestone-Firestone, Case New Holland, Caterpillar, Cummins Diesel Engine Co., Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, John Deere, Mazda, Nissan, State Farm, Tesla, Toyota, and many others.
University of Central Missouri
The University of Central Missouri is well placed as one of about 20 universities in the country that are satisfying the demand for highly trained corporate and technical graduates.
You will be qualified for high-demand, well-paying corporate-level technical management positions in the automotive/diesel and alternative-fuel/hybrid vehicle industries as a graduate of the Automotive Technology program.
Historically, 98% of their graduates find work in their industry within six months of graduation, earning starting salaries of up to $55,000.
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
The Motor Sports Engineering Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (UIPUI) focuses on teaching fundamentals of engineering and will include hands-on projects that entail developing, analyzing, and implementing actual systems for racing.
This program will prepare you for positions in the motorsports industry as well as in automotive-related organizations and it is the first university to offer such.
For an additional 26 credit hours, you can pursue a dual degree in Motorsports and Mechanical Engineering.
Motorsports Engineering at IUPUI provides students with a Purdue University engineering degree while studying car dynamics, aerodynamics, data collecting, and other motorsports-specific courses in the heart of the world’s racing capital.
The University of Texas at Arlington
The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering program at the University of Texas at Arlington’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department focuses on building automobiles, autonomous vehicles, and robotics.
You can use the Co-op/Internship Office to get work experience, apply for positions in faculty labs, or join the UTA Racing Formula SAE team.
Design, Manufacturing, and Multidisciplinary Optimization; Dynamic Systems and Controls; Fluid Mechanics, Aerodynamics, and Propulsion; Structural Mechanics and Structural Optimization; and Thermal Sciences and Energy Systems are some of the Department’s major concentration areas.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Your career in automotive management is just around the corner at Pennsylvania College of Technology. They offer a comprehensive program that covers everything from technical know-how to learning how to run your own shop will fuel your future.
The program is a 2+2 major, which means you can specialize in either automotive or collision for your first four semesters and then follow up with four semesters of applied technology management.
Through collaborations with each firm, the Pennsylvania College of Technology provides three specialized concentrations for Ford ASSET, Honda PACT, and MOPAR CAP inside the Automotive Technology degree.
Ferris State University
The Automotive Engineering Technology B.S. degree AET program is a three- and four-year Automotive Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree program that focuses on the abilities needed in the automotive sector.
You will have hands-on laboratory experience in processes, mechanical testing, metallurgy, vehicle emissions, and dynamometer testing.
More so, the Automotive Engineering Technology degree program includes an on-the-job Automotive Engineering Technology internship.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Bachelor of Science degree in Automotive technology at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale is will provide a learning environment in which you can develop the professional, research, and technical skills needed to succeed in the automotive and related industries.
To further sharpen your skills, you can join the Automotive Technology Organization, Women in Automotive Transportation Technology (WATT), and the Off-Road Club outside of class, with the latter receiving a Jeep Cherokee as a donation project car.
Kettering University
Automotive Engineering Design, Machine Design & Advanced Materials, and Alternative Energy are part of the programs available at Kettering University’s Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s degree program.
The Mobility Services and Automotive Engineering Design majors are designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of vehicles’ mechanical, electrical, and computer systems.
Kettering is frequently recognized for its return on investment for graduates, STEM programs, and more on a national and international level. The value of a Kettering education is also fueled by the on-the-job training students receive through the University’s cooperative learning model, which allows them to invest their earnings toward their education and join the marketplace with those skills.
Brigham-Young University-Idaho
The Automotive Technology Program at Brigham-Young University (BYU) in Idaho provides three Bachelor of Science degrees: Automotive Engineering Technology, Advanced Vehicle Systems, and Automotive Technology Management. Students in this ASE-certified curriculum spend a significant amount of time in labs and on test courses to get practical experience.
In Regional Colleges West, Brigham Young University—Idaho is rated #16. Its Tuition and fees are 4,300 USD. They have an acceptance rate of 96%.
As a student of BYU, you will gain practical experience while learning to understand technology and developing problem-solving abilities in classes that are hands-on and participatory.
The automotive facility at BYU-Idaho is well-equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and test equipment, allowing you to get hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and graduate ready to start a successful career.
Walla Walla University
The School of Engineering in Walla Walla University provides a bachelor’s degree in engineering with specializations in Bioengineering, Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as an interdisciplinary Bioengineering Science program and a certificate program in Global Humanitarian Engineering Emphasis (GHEE).
Students can get paid hands-on experience at University Auto, the on-campus repair shop, and have unlimited access to the automotive lab and equipment.
The school has a 65% acceptance rate and the Tuition fee is estimated at 28,908 USD per annum.
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Graduates of the Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (AMET) degree programs are prepared for positions in the original equipment and aftermarket industries in product research, design and development, production, automation, and technical sales.
The major purpose of the program is to give all graduates a strong technical foundation that will enable them to succeed in a wide range of careers.
Program outcomes and objectives are created and assessed for continual improvement in order to achieve this goal.
McPherson College
McPherson College offers a one-of-a-kind automotive curriculum, which is the first in the country. Their program focuses on Historic Car Technology, Automotive Restoration Management, Automotive Communications, Automotive Restoration Design, and Automotive Restoration Technology, with a focus on automotive restoration.
Students have access to specialized equipment and tools peculiar to the sector thanks to a 33,000-square-foot facility in Templeton Hall. They’ve even set a lofty aim for themselves: by 2023, MC will compete for the Pebble Beach Automotive Week championship!
Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University can provide a particular advantage to students interested in becoming automotive mechanics. SAU provides a full-service auto shop where members of the community can get their cars repaired. All students have the option to take the ASE exam and become industry-wide certified.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan is consistently listed as one of the top five engineering colleges in the country, with top-ranking academics and practical experience. The School’s Mechanical Engineering program is ABET-accredited.
As a student of U-M, you will be trained to build and apply competence in engineering basics, automotive systems, and transdisciplinary optimization, as well as collaborative skills, creativity, and sensitivity to social demands and trends.
FAQ:
What does an Automotive Engineer do?
An automotive engineer is a mechanical engineer that specializes in the design, development, and testing of vehicles. Many automotive engineers also specialize in one or more aspects of automotive design or production, including mechanical, electrical, electronic, safety, human factors, aerodynamics and propulsion.
What skills do Automotive Engineers need?
Early-Stage Automotive Engineers will function as part of a team to develop strategies and direction for the continuously growing Portfolio of Powertrain, Chassis and Safety Technologies. Solid technical decision-making skills will be essential as you analyze new technologies and lead the technical development of new products. Your passion for Powertrain, Chassis and Safety Technologies will drive you to thwart any obstacles presented to ensure new products meet or exceed market expectations.
How much do Automotive Engineers make?
The top earners make about 110,500 USD per annum while an average automotive engineering technician makes about 62,704 USD per annum.
